Wilder meets with Sox

David Wilder, the man who picked Bobby Jenks off the waiver wire for the Chicago White Sox, yesterday became the latest candidate for the Red Sox general manager's job to be formally introduced to the media.

Wilder, Chicago's director of player development, is considered one of the better talent evaluators among farm directors, and his signing of Jenks, who had been released by the Angels, paid huge dividends for the world champion White Sox late in the season after closer Dustin Hermanson's back problem acted up.

Wilder, 45, spent most of his day at Fenway Park meeting with Red Sox president/CEO Larry Lucchino and chairman Tom Werner, and advisers Bill Lajoie and Jeremy Kapstein.

At the introductory news conference, Wilder was alongside Kapstein, who represented Sox management as Lucchino continued to keep a low profile following the departure of Theo Epstein.

Kapstein deferred questions about how much longer the GM search would go on to Lucchino. The Sox are bringing in Jim Beattie and Jim Bowden, two experienced candidates, this week, and possibly could interview Marlins assistant GM Michael Hill.

The Sox also may be seeking permission to speak to a current GM or two. One of them could be Dave Littlefield, the Pirates' GM who grew up in Portland, Maine, and went to the University of Massachusetts.

Littlefield has two years remaining on his deal with the Pirates, a team that has a load of young talent, and he also worked for Sox owner John Henry with the Marlins.

In addition to yesterday's interview of Wilder, Kapstein said the Sox' front office team, which includes Lajoie, Jed Hoyer, Ben Cherington, Peter Woodfork, Brian O'Halloran, Craig Shipley, and Lucchino, is ''literally working around the clock, and we're dealing with all the business this franchise has to deal with. And that involves free agency, player movement such as trades, and also internal matters within the organization that must be addressed in real time."

Asked whether the team has made offers to free agents other than Mike Myers and Johnny Damon, Kapstein said, ''I can't comment on that. We've been in touch with other clubs about trades."

According to published reports, the Red Sox are trying to obtain Marlins righthander Josh Beckett and third baseman Mike Lowell for prospects. Others who could interest the Red Sox are Orioles closer B.J. Ryan and Marlins free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett.

The Sox also are trying to deal Manny Ramírez and David Wells. In fact, Wilder said he was asked during his interview his thoughts about trading Ramírez.

''It all depends on what the deal is for," Wilder said. ''It frees up opportunities to get better. If you can, you do that. If not, you've got one of the better hitters in the last century."

Wilder, who is African-American and was the first minority candidate to interview for the position, was upbeat during his news conference. He has interviewed for GM jobs in Arizona, Seattle, and Baltimore. He said the White Sox winning the World Series has led to a lot more attention.

Wilder, a native of Berkeley, Calif., has been a big part of the White Sox' success, along with GM Kenny Williams and assistant GM Rich Hahn, a Harvard Law School graduate who has not received a call from the Red Sox.

''Obviously, it would be a little bittersweet if Dave were to leave us," Williams said. ''He was very instrumental in our success here both at the minor league level and major league level. He's supremely qualified to handle any job in baseball and has done darn near most of them.

''You couldn't find a better man. The bittersweet part comes in because if he were to be hired, especially by a team with the resources Boston has, my job would become that much more difficult instantly. But quality people deserve quality opportunities, and that is one there."

Wilder said the Sox asked questions on a number of topics, including Sabermetrics, since Boston employs Bill James as a consultant. Wilder said the White Sox use statistical data in all phases of their operation.

He did say there was a difference in philosophies in the organizations, mainly because of the configurations of Fenway. The Red Sox focus on offense to suit their environment, while the White Sox stress pitching and defense.

Wilder said he was ready for the job, and he didn't appear awed by the media and fan scrutiny attached to it.

''It's not only a chance to be with one of the top organizations in baseball, but the history and the background of the Boston Red Sox," he said. ''It's a wonderful opportunity."

Wilder was asked to evaluate the Red Sox' talent. He said, ''They have a number of players that are really close and they have some players that are a year or two away, which would allow you to supplement a couple of players each year in the big leagues, which creates an opportunity to also free up salary."

Wilder said his philosophy is deeply rooted in the five-plus seasons he spent in Atlanta, widely considered one of the top systems in the major leagues under John Schuerholz.

Kapstein said he and Wilder share a mutual friend in Cubs manager Dusty Baker, who strongly recommended Wilder.

''A lot of other people in the game have great respect for not only what he's done, but also the kind of person that he is," Kapstein said of Wilder.

''He's a leader, an outstanding talent evaluator. Among baseball people, David has an outstanding reputation.

''He made significant contributions with the Braves and with the White Sox."